A new federal bill designed to help the environment could hurt the energy industry, its customers and rural residents with increased costs, local opponents say.

“The primary purpose of the bill is to cap carbon emissions for all energy producers,” said Wayne Whitaker, president of Southwestern Arkansas Electric Cooperative REA.

The bill, American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009, takes aim at energy producers like electric, natural gas and oil companies, making them reduce their greenhouse-gas emissions.

While that’s a good idea, Whitaker said, customer...

Log-In to view full story or view our Registration Guide.